Macron backs gradual lifting of EU sanctions on Syria

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will work to gradually lift European Union sanctions on Syria, citing the need for reconstruction and the return of refugees. 

Speaking alongside Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who travelled to Paris on his first visit to a European country since taking office, Macron emphasised the importance of international cooperation in supporting Syria’s recovery following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Caliber.Az reports via Al Arabiya. 

“I told the president that if he continues on his path, we will continue on ours: first, by gradually lifting European economic sanctions,” Macron said.

He added that France would then begin a “process of persuasion” with the United States to align with this approach, and work alongside UNHCR and other partners to develop a regional framework that enables Syria to welcome back its talents and vital human resources.

“I believe it is our responsibility to lift these sanctions progressively, to support this movement, and to give, in the months to come, the possibility to move forward,” he added. 

He later added that he would propose that EU sanctions expire on June 1.

He affirmed France’s readiness to collaborate with Syria in the fight against ISIS, describing it as a shared interest for both nations.

Macron also condemned Israeli military strikes in Syria, labelling them a “bad practice” and a violation of Syrian sovereignty. 

“It is not possible to guarantee the security of a country by violating the territorial integrity of a neighbouring country,” he said.

President Sharaa echoed calls for lifting economic sanctions, arguing they were imposed on a regime that no longer exists. 

"These sanctions were imposed on the former regime because of the crimes it committed. That regime has now fallen, and with the fall of the regime, these sanctions must fall with it. There is no justification for the sanctions to remain in place," Sharaa said, highlighting his government’s commitment to protecting all Syrian citizens and rebuilding the country.

Sharaa praised France for supporting Syrian refugees and said the two leaders discussed mutual interests, including reconstruction and civil stability. He acknowledged the immense challenges Syria faces in the aftermath of over a decade of conflict and emphasised efforts to investigate recent violent incidents in the Sahel region, which he attributed to remnants of the Assad regime.

The Syrian president also announced the formation of committees for civil peace and fact-finding to address violence and sectarian tensions.

“We will hold the perpetrators accountable,” he said, asserting that the new government is committed to justice, national unity, and ending foreign interference.

He described the post-Assad era as a time of rebuilding and reconciliation, vowing that Syria’s future would be determined by its people rather than foreign powers. 

Both leaders underlined the need for unity, peace, and respect for Syria’s sovereignty, with Macron commending Sharaa’s efforts to engage with the Syrian Democratic Forces and uphold civil peace.

By Sabina Mammadli